Gane and Poatan face off respectfully at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Stars of the world's largest MMA organization, Alex Poatan and Ciryl Gane are opponents at UFC Casa Branca , but not enemies. Far from it, the athletes, who will face off in the co-main event of the highly anticipated event, which takes place this Sunday (14), in Washington (USA), valid for the interim heavyweight belt (up to 120 kg), showed fair play at the press conference held this Friday (12).
When asked about the Frenchman, the former UFC middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion made a point of praising him, approving of his respectful attitude. Indeed, while Poatan previously suffered from trash talk from Jamahal Hill , Khamzat Chimaev , and Magomed Ankalaev , and has been attacked by Josh Hokit , he has only heard praise from 'Bon Gamin'.
Furthermore, the former interim heavyweight champion once again spoke highly of the Brazilian, both personally and professionally, and didn't seem bothered by the hostile reaction from the fans, who constantly booed him. Therefore, since the opponents exchanged friendly words constantly before the fight, the face-off to promote it had a lighthearted atmosphere. But make no mistake, because despite the respect between Gane and Poatan, the fight is likely to end in a knockout.
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“For sure, we can see that he’s an athlete, a very serious opponent, and a guy who commands respect. He’s not like other people who are always talking when they’re going to fight me. I’m ready for this, and on Sunday I’m going to show everything I’ve been learning, my evolution,” said the UFC star.
“Yes, that’s cool. Alex is a great athlete, a great champion. I think he’s also a nice guy. He’s a good person. So, I understand the boos and I’m very happy to fight against this kind of guy,” declared the former interim UFC champion.
Face-off between Poatan and Gane
ZERO FEAR 😤 @AlexPereiraUFC vs @Ciryl_Gane #UFCWhiteHouse LIVE Sunday June 14 at 8pmET on @ParamountPlus!
[Title fights presented by @Cryptocom ] pic.twitter.com/jLDSgjLZ61
— UFC (@ufc) June 13, 2026
UFC White House
UFC White House , also known as UFC Freedom 250 , will take place on June 14th at the official residence of the US president in Washington, D.C. Unlike usual, the event will be held on a Sunday, Donald Trump's birthday.
In the main event of UFC Casa Branca , Ilia Topuria defends her lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) against Justin Gaethje , the interim champion.
Alex Poatan in the spotlight
Alex Poatan will be a featured athlete at UFC Casa Branca . Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Brazil will be heavily represented at UFC Casa Branca . In the co-main event, Alex Poatan attempts an unprecedented feat. The former middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) and light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) champion seeks the interim heavyweight (up to 120 kg) title against Ciryl Gane.
Besides Poatan, Mauricio Ruffy and Diego Lopes are the other Brazilian athletes on the card. The pair will face Michael Chandler and Steve Garcia , respectively.
UFC White House fight schedule
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje – Title fight
Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Alex Poatan vs. Ciryl Gane – Interim title fight
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Sean O'Malley vs. Aiemann Zahabi
Heavyweight (up to 120 kg): Josh Hokit vs. Derrick Lewis
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Mauricio Ruffy vs. Michael Chandler
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Bo Nickal x Kyle Daukaus
Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg): Diego Lopes vs. Steve Garcia
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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